MX5 Model comparison...
Discussion
You supremely knowledgeable lot seem to be the perfect people to help me out with a quick question.
I'm looking to pick up a 5, probably in the Autumn, so am looking around now for fun and to see what kind of bang you get for your buck.
Now the question (that I'm sure has been asked a thousand times before but my searching abilities are cack!) is thus:
Is there a good comparison of all the available models 1-2-2.5-3 and how the pros and cons of each match up?
I hear that some are easier for taller types (6'1" here so not too bad!) to fit in than others (knees hitting drinks holders on doors??) for example. How the 2.5 differs from the 2? Not much chat on the 3 that I can find etc..
Any help greatly appreciated!
I'm looking to pick up a 5, probably in the Autumn, so am looking around now for fun and to see what kind of bang you get for your buck.
Now the question (that I'm sure has been asked a thousand times before but my searching abilities are cack!) is thus:
Is there a good comparison of all the available models 1-2-2.5-3 and how the pros and cons of each match up?
I hear that some are easier for taller types (6'1" here so not too bad!) to fit in than others (knees hitting drinks holders on doors??) for example. How the 2.5 differs from the 2? Not much chat on the 3 that I can find etc..
Any help greatly appreciated!
Out of Mk1, 2, 2.5...
Mk1 has the most interior space.
Mk1 has the most intimate feel i.e. the suspension & steering feels more direct and the engine is more "obvious".
Mk1 1.8 has more bhp & torque than 1.6 and also better brakes. There isn't a lot of difference in performance but 1.8 is a bit quicker and easier to drive slowly due to the extra torque.
Mk2 has less interior space due to the sculpted door panels. this is mostly due to crash protection regulations.
Mk2 is softer giving a better ride and ultimately more grip but at the expense of more body roll.
Mk2 1.8 has more power & torque than Mk1 1.8 so is a bit quicker again. There is a touch more weight but not really enough to make much difference.
Mk2.5 interior slightly improved over mk2 but less interior space again due to bigger, thicker, taller seats that restrict leg & headroom, especially space between seat & steering wheel.
Mk2.5 has a bit more power & torque again and is again a bit faster.
None of them will feel fast compared to a modern hot-hatch but equally none of them are slow if you thrash them. Find a twisty b-road and there are few cars to match it for fun-factor.
NA tuning is possibly but very expensive comparing £/bhp to turbo/super charging and there aren't really too may gains to be made without spending a LOT of money. That's why turbo/super charging is so popular.
Anyone care to add more or disagree on any points?
Does that help?
Mk1 has the most interior space.
Mk1 has the most intimate feel i.e. the suspension & steering feels more direct and the engine is more "obvious".
Mk1 1.8 has more bhp & torque than 1.6 and also better brakes. There isn't a lot of difference in performance but 1.8 is a bit quicker and easier to drive slowly due to the extra torque.
Mk2 has less interior space due to the sculpted door panels. this is mostly due to crash protection regulations.
Mk2 is softer giving a better ride and ultimately more grip but at the expense of more body roll.
Mk2 1.8 has more power & torque than Mk1 1.8 so is a bit quicker again. There is a touch more weight but not really enough to make much difference.
Mk2.5 interior slightly improved over mk2 but less interior space again due to bigger, thicker, taller seats that restrict leg & headroom, especially space between seat & steering wheel.
Mk2.5 has a bit more power & torque again and is again a bit faster.
None of them will feel fast compared to a modern hot-hatch but equally none of them are slow if you thrash them. Find a twisty b-road and there are few cars to match it for fun-factor.
NA tuning is possibly but very expensive comparing £/bhp to turbo/super charging and there aren't really too may gains to be made without spending a LOT of money. That's why turbo/super charging is so popular.
Anyone care to add more or disagree on any points?
Does that help?
I can't really add much about Mk3 as I haven't driven one.
They tend to be driven by non-enthusiasts so you won't find as many owners on here or other forums. As they get older more of them will fall into the hands of enthusiasts so I'd expect to see more and more info about them.
They are bigger cars with bigger engines. They do have more interior space but I've heard that the door cup-holder is in an awkward position - right by the right knee. the interior is very nice though and it feels like a much more modern car.
They tend to be driven by non-enthusiasts so you won't find as many owners on here or other forums. As they get older more of them will fall into the hands of enthusiasts so I'd expect to see more and more info about them.
They are bigger cars with bigger engines. They do have more interior space but I've heard that the door cup-holder is in an awkward position - right by the right knee. the interior is very nice though and it feels like a much more modern car.
Thanks for that Lazza, I was expecting to be directed to a previous series of threads so cheers for the concise summary. This place is good and friendly I see!
Initial thoughts on the above and it looks like I'll keep an eye out for a mint Mk1 1.8 then. Back to autotrader!
With my generous timeframe I've got plenty of test drives and tyres to kick so I should imagine you lot could be hearing more from me yet awhile.
Initial thoughts on the above and it looks like I'll keep an eye out for a mint Mk1 1.8 then. Back to autotrader!
With my generous timeframe I've got plenty of test drives and tyres to kick so I should imagine you lot could be hearing more from me yet awhile.
MaQ said:
Thanks for that Lazza, I was expecting to be directed to a previous series of threads so cheers for the concise summary. This place is good and friendly I see!
Initial thoughts on the above and it looks like I'll keep an eye out for a mint Mk1 1.8 then. Back to autotrader!
With my generous timeframe I've got plenty of test drives and tyres to kick so I should imagine you lot could be hearing more from me yet awhile.
You may be better off looking at owners forums like mx5nutz.com and browsing pistonheads for an enthusiasts example.Initial thoughts on the above and it looks like I'll keep an eye out for a mint Mk1 1.8 then. Back to autotrader!
With my generous timeframe I've got plenty of test drives and tyres to kick so I should imagine you lot could be hearing more from me yet awhile.
www.mx-5.com is also a frindly site feel free to ask questions there.
I've got the NC, mainly as I use it every day, if it was a weekend car I'd have an NA
I've got the NC, mainly as I use it every day, if it was a weekend car I'd have an NA
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